Acting up
By Myron D.R. Mariano; Photographs by Pat Dy
When he isn't facing the conflicts of post-apocalyptic Philippines in Rounin or getting the girl in the now-wrapped-up Gulong ng Palad, TJ Trinidad is out saving youngsters. Whenever the 30-year-old actor's schedule permits, he travels to Muntinlupa. There, with councilor Ren-Ren Cayetano, he promotes the value of education to kids. "I help them understand how important it is to stay in school and learn as much as they can," he says.
Once he's done with his cause, Trinidad switches his persona to that of a rock star, singing lead vocals for his band, MoFo. Or, he puts his gear on for a round of mixed martial arts—"I'm concentrating on Filipino martial arts, especially arnis, and have been doing it for 13 years," he recalls. This sport keeps his body trim, making the suit that he wears during awards night fit him to a tee.
Admittedly, the 5'9" Trinidad remains a T-shirt and jeans kind of guy. He likes it so much, in fact, that had it not been laundry day for his denims, he would have worn them instead during the shoot. (He was in cargo pants.) Trinidad finds simplicity a better style statement than flash, whether hanging out with friends or attending events, saying, "For the most part, I think it's really about the person, how he carries himself." His keep-it-simple ideology also applies to his grooming choices. "I just shave, and keep the beard area neat," he says. And the secret to his great skin? "Clean your face always," he suggests. "I'm in makeup everyday, and I make sure I take it off after I'm done working."
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